By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, August 24, Mana: Promoter for Yofu and Makulawe (YOMA), Tuntufye Mwambafula has applauded Invest in Early Years Programme (IEYP) for improving livelihoods in Likoma through promotion of nutrition in the district.

Speaking on Thursday during a cooking demonstration and nutrition open day organized by IEYP and Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management (SFAD - WM), Mwambafula said beneficiaries of the project are able to prepare balanced diets after the program distributed to them livestock and seedlings for various fruits.

"We are able to eat all the six types of food because, through the program, we were given goats, chickens, ducks, crops and fruit seeds. The programme is helping community members to sustain their nutritional status," she said.

IEY Community Facilitator for Likoma, Vision Mkumbwa said the programme specifically targets lactating mothers, pregnant women and under-five children to improve nutritional statuses.

"The project promotes food diversification among community members using locally available food stuffs. That is why the program provides crop seeds, fruit seedlings and livestock to the targeted beneficiaries so that they can be able to diversify their diets,” said Mkumbwa.

District Fisheries Officer (DFO) for Likoma, Richard Banda commended the programme for promoting fish production in the district, saying fishes are a basis of livelihoods and economic wellbeing for most people in the island district.